Synthesis of nanocubic lithium cobalt ferrite toward high-performance lithium-ion battery

The synthesis of Li 1.1 Co 0.3 Fe 2.1 O 4 ferrite nanoparticles has been successfully fabricated by the citrate auto combustion technique. Numerous characterization techniques as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High- Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and Raman Spectroscopy are achieved. The homogeneous formation of the cubic phase is ratified through HRTEM. Five Raman-active modes A 1g , 3F 2g , E g . are detected for the examined samples. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is carried out to identify the various ions existing in samples and their oxidation states. The investigated ferrite nanoparticles manifest large capacity (until 1150 mAh g −1 ), stellar coulombic efficiency, and superb cycle stability (443 mAh g −1 after 50 cycles). Finally, the cheap and non-toxic Li 1.1 Co 0.3 Fe 2.1 O 4 has been employed as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), demonstrating superior electrochemical in terms of specific capacity, cycle performance, and rate capability.